Back to Home Page

ELECTRONIC VS POINT DISTRIBUTOR

The mechanical points and condenser type of ignition has been used in the automobile since 1910, first used in Cadillac. The electronic ignition system for automobiles was introduced in 1960 by General Motors.

Point and Condenser Ignition

    The original ignition system in the Model A consists of a coil, points and condenser. The points are opened and closed with lobes on the distributor cam. The four lobes on the distributor cam control the ignition firing to each of the four cylinders. When the points open, the ignition primary circuit is interrupted, But the flow of current can not be stopped instantaneously. The current continues to flow and arc across the points. To stop this flow, a condenser is connected across the points so that when the points start to open, the current surges into the condenser. By the time the condenser is fully charged, the points are open wide enough to prevent an arc and the current flow stops and the magnetic field in the coil collapses quickly. The speed of collapse is aided by the discharge of the condenser back through the coil primary windings in reverse direction. Therefore, the purpose of the condenser is to reduce arching at the points, thereby increasing point life, and to speed up the collapse of the magnetic field of the coil.
    The period of time that the points remain closed is called "dwell time". The Model A dwell should be about 31 degrees on the cam. A point gap of .018" will result in about 31 degrees dwell on a standard distributor cam. At that setting, maximum saturation of the secondary windings is completed, allowing the coil to produce its maximum high voltage to the spark plugs.
    The above explanation of point and condenser operation points out how critical "point gap" is for efficient running of the engine. Point gap is changed by 1.) wear on distributor cam, 2.) wear on point block, 3.) wear on distributor shaft and bushings, 4.) wear on point contacts, 5.) and engine rpm (causing point bounce.

Electronic Ignition

The most efficient ignition system is the electronic ignition. There are no moving parts or wear to cause a change in timing. A cobalt magnetic sleeve that slips over the Model A distributor cam is used to trigger the igniter module. The electronic ignition provides a constant high voltage to the spark plugs when used with the recommended coil, allowing for a more even and quicker burning of the air/fuel mixture in the cylinders, resulting in more efficient power from the engine. Speed has no reducing factor as there are no mechanical points to bounce at higher RPM's. High voltage remains constant at idle to max RPM, resulting in a smoother and more efficient running engine. In most cases, fuel economy will increase by 3 or 4 miles per gallon.

Point and Condenser Distributor                 Electronic Ignition Distributor

    

FS IGNITIONS

        FORMERLY REMUND IGNITIONS

    First Street Restorations has been in full time business for three years. The owners are J. D. Hanks and Greg Cunningham. First Street Restorations specialize in pre-1945 cars. Even though they have done work on Auburns, Cords and LaSalle, the Model "A" is still the shop favorite. The business is located in a red brick building in Ponca City, Oklahoma, famous for Oil Barons and Vintage Mansions of the 20's and 30 *s. The building was originally used as an Ice Plant in the 30's and is just about the right size for six foil and part time craftsmen to work on three to four restorations at a time. This is a turn­key restoration service, body, paint, woodwork, interior, and mechanical. The engine work can be completed by Ron Kelley Engine Services at the same time the vehicle is being restored, thus minimizing downtime.
    Recently, Mel Mallory, a very satisfied restoration customer and retired Petro Chemical Fireman has joined J. D. and Greg in establishing a new addition to the business, F S Ignitions (formerly Remund Ignitions)
    Mel, J.D. & Greg were searching for an electronic ignition system capable of withstanding the rigors of the "Great Race". The Remund Ignition System was discovered, "As things turned out Mr. Remund was considering selling the Model "A" part of his business and we liked the product so well that we bought the business." J. D. explained. "The system is simple and efficient. We manufacture 6 volt positive ground and 12 volt negative ground electronic ignition kits with matched coils for the original distributor. No black box, fewer wires, no points or condenser, the module fits in the distributor for stock appearance."
    New in 2000 was a centrifugal advance electronic distributor with a modem style cap and matched coil, available in 6 and 12 volt. This unit is foul weather resistant and well built. Both the kits and distributor carry a 30 month limited warranty. The modules are by "Pertronix".   These products are available at most Model "A" parts houses. J.D. Hanks, a retired High School Shop teacher, has been working with the Model "A" most of his life. He still enjoys tinkering with the roadster he restored when he was in High School. In addition to the roadster, he finished restoring his Grandfather's Model "A" pickup while attending college. Several of his students have been introduced to the spirit of the "A" by driving and navigating his Grandfather's pickup in the X-Cup class Great Race for 7 years.   By the way "The boys", sponsored by the Boy Scout Troop J. D. leads, finished first in the X-Cup in 2004. Thank you MAFCA for the help!!
    Greg Cunningham is a former student of J.D.'s and a partner in the business. Greg is a college student and full time craftsman at the shop. He and his friend Sam Goppinger raced his "A" Speedster this year and finished second in the Great Race Sportsman class. Greg has been a participant in the Great Race six times. His past experience in the old "A" pickup must have paid off. We hear Greg mumbling in the shop something about five inches lower, overhead valve conversions, new springs. We don't know..... must be something to do with college; the next race is a long time away.
If we can be of service to you please contact us at: fsr@poncacity,net  (preferred)   or call 580-762-8322